Macbeth Act 1- Reading Journal

Throughout Act 1 of Macbeth, readers were introduced to the general tragedy it brings. In scene one, three witches, or old women (as described in the text later on) were chanting and making plans to confront Macbeth after the battle he has fought. In addition, they plan to meet once again and soon disappear as quickly as they came. This brought on a lot of mystery and a chilling feel to the scene as it was quite eerie, however compelling. As we moved to read scene 2, we were introduced to King Duncan who had questioned a wounded captain for an update on the battle with the Irish invaders, the captain (who had helped Duncan's son Malcolm escape) replied that the Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo had fought bravely (with great courage and violence). Macbeth was idolized by the King after hearing that he had slain the traitor Macdonwald, in addition to the death, the Thane of Cawdor had been defeated and the army repelled, ending the scene with Ross delivering the news to Macbeth that he would be given the title of Cawdor.  In scene 3 the witches are introduced once again with a prophecy for Macbeth, because of this strange encounter both he and Banquo discuss it, with much confusion and surprise that the witches' prophecy had slowly become true after Ross had given Macbeth the news of his title (the witches prophecized). Banquo attempts to offer advice to Macbeth stating that "devils only speak half-truths" in order to "win us to our harm" (1.3). He ignores this, wondering if he may become king one day, beginning the thought of how this may happen. In the last scene of Act 1 at the Kings' palace, Duncan hears of Cawdor's execution from his son Malcolm (who says Cawdor died nobly). Later, Macbeth and Banquo enter the castle, excessively thanked the two generals. In this scene, we were introduced to the beginning of the conflict between Macbeth and his want to be king, in this case, it is Malcolm. At the end of the scene, the plans are made for the King to dine at Macbeth's castle, ending with Macbeth leaving to inform his wife. In Acts 5-7 the concentration is set upon Lady Macbeth, who in my opinion is a very memorable character so far in this play. We are introduced to the violent and treacherous person she truly is, in want of immediate power. The King dines with them, in the process Lady Macbeth plots a plan that she knows she cannot commit herself, murdering King Duncan. Leaving it to Macbeth, who later does not follow this plan completely. As a whole Act 1 introduced the main theme of death and as well gave an insight on what future Acts may hold.